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Casablanca is Morocco’s busting economic hub. Its regularly busy streets and crowded vendors become entirely empty during Eid al-Adha when many have gone to take a break and reunite with their family.
Although it offers only a shadow of its everyday life, for some Eid al-Adha may well be the perfect time to visit Casablanca.
Casablanca’s medina
Stroll through the empty streets of Casablanca’s medina, a five minute walk from the Casa Port train station. Its closed shops offer murmurs of its regular life, but its winding streets are no less confusing for the unfamiliar tourist.
During Eid al-Adha, tourists can take their time to soak in the charming structure of the medina without too much oncoming traffic. This is one benefit that the owner of the Medina Hostel celebrated as we overlooked the medina from the rooftop.
Aswell as the medina’s architecture, take the time to admire the football graffiti that lines almost every inch of wall space. Casablanca’s medina is home to the proud football fans of Wydad CA. Amongst the bold red and black artwork, you will find plenty of slogans like ‘together forever’ which canonize the fans’ undying loyalty and pride towards their club.
Luckily for the caffeine addicted, many of Casablanca’s coffee shops remain open during Eid al-Adha – unlike its restaurants and food outlets which mostly stay closed for up to a week.
Head to a cafe close to one of the medina’s entrances and indulge in a strong espresso and some well-oriented people watching. Doubtless, someone will stop to talk and welcome you while you peruse the quiet streets from your spot.
Hassan II Mosque and the Seaside
After a nice coffee, head out of the medina towards the sea and the Hassan II Mosque which overlooks it. The cove that sits directly next to the mosque boasts an interesting formation. You will find a quarried square with plenty of swimmers and submerged rocky paths which lead further out to sea.
Have a dip, or simply sit at the rocks which line the walkway and watch others enjoy.
After you have your fill of Casablanca’s seaside, head towards the Hassan II Mosque, which is an opportunity not to be missed.
Its 200-meter tall minaret means it is considered to be the highest religious building in the world, built in just six years. Not only that, but it is one of the few mosques that allow tourists to enter.
Entrance is permitted only as part of the tour so ensure you check your times ahead of your visit.
Leave enough time to admire the outside of the mosque before heading to the information office to buy a ticket for the tour. Here you will also find the museum which holds an exhibition on the practices and techniques of the Islamic art found inside.
Make sure to leave half an hour before your tour starts and you can soak in the vibrant colors and detailed woodwork on display here.
During the tour you can see the main prayer hall with its walls and carpeted floors before continuing to the prestigious washroom downstairs.
An interesting aspect to the tour is that it is the only time you will find yourself surrounded solely by tourists during your Eid visit to the city. It is a good way to understand just how effectively this large city envelops its inhabitants, despite having previously felt like the only tourist on its quiet streets.
Food and drink
After visiting the Mosque, head to the UN Square to peruse the few food outlets that remain open during the holiday and take in the busy, grand square. These are mostly fast food outlets or restaurants geared towards tourists.
Perhaps take the time to do some research by ringing restaurants ahead of your arrival or, equally, prepare to whip up a tasty meal back at your hostel if you have the facilities.
If you want a drink, you can head to the Hyatt hotel. A grand lounge full of cocktails awaits you but, be warned, they come at a painful price.
Sindibad theme park
After a hopefully good night’s sleep, grab a coffee and head onto the street to catch a taxi to Casablanca’s Park Sindibad, an exciting theme park a 15 minute drive from the medina.
The Eid holiday is a perfect time to take advantage of the short queuing times. The park boasts an impressive zoo and theme park rides. Make sure to save enough time to ride “The Serpent,” a twisting roller coaster that will turn you upside down which, thanks to the festivities, was quiet enough for us to ride twice.
Once you have finished enjoying the terror and ecstasy that Sindibad has to offer it is time to head back to the train station. After a taxi back to Casa Port station and a short queue in the ticket office, you reflect on this specific, sleepy way to have met Casablanca and give thanks to the benefits of quietness that the Eid holiday has afforded you.
